Leave a Message

Thank you for your message. We will be in touch with you shortly.

Homebuyers in Today’s Market

buying a home

Homebuyers in Today’s Market

There’s no denying mortgage rates are higher now than they were last year. And if you’re thinking about buying a home, this may be top of mind for you. That’s because those higher rates impact how much it costs to borrow money for your home loan. As you set out to make a purchase this winter, you’ll need to be strategic so you can find a home that meets your needs and budget.

Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at realtor.com, explains:

“The key to making a good decision in this challenging housing market is to be laser focused on what you need now and in the years ahead, . . . Another key point is to avoid stretching your budget, as tempting as it may be given the diminished purchasing power.”

In other words, it’s important to be mindful of what’s a necessity and what’s a nice-to-have when searching for a home. And the best way to understand this is to put together a list of desired features for your home search.

The first step? Get pre-approved for a mortgage. Pre-approval helps you better understand what you can borrow for your home loan, and that plays an important role in how you’ll craft your list. After all, you don’t want to fall in love with a home that’s out of reach. Once you have a good grasp of your budget, you can begin to list (and prioritize) all the features of a home you would like.

Here’s a great way to think about them before you begin:

  • Must-Haves – If a house doesn’t have these features, it won’t work for you and your lifestyle (examples: distance from work or loved ones, number of bedrooms/bathrooms, etc.).
  • Nice-To-Haves – These are features that you’d love to have but can live without. Nice-To-Haves aren’t dealbreakers, but if you find a home that hits all the must-haves and some of the these, it’s a contender (examples: a second home office, a garage, etc.).
  • Dream State – This is where you can really think big. Again, these aren’t features you’ll need, but if you find a home in your budget that has all the must-haves, most of the nice-to-haves, and any of these, it’s a clear winner (examples: farmhouse sink, multiple walk-in closets, etc.).

Finally, once you’ve created your list and categorized it in a way that works for you, discuss it with your real estate advisor. They’ll be able to help you refine the list further, coach you through the best way to stick to it, and find a home in your area that meets your needs.

Bottom Line

Putting together your list of necessary features for your next home might seem like a small task, but it’s a crucial first step on your homebuying journey today. If you’re ready to find a home that fits your needs, let’s connect.

Recent Blog Posts

Stay up to date on the latest real estate trends.

senior homeowners

HOA Fees: What Every Homebuyer in Conejo Valley Needs To Know

The perks, the costs, and the big picture—how HOA communities in Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, and beyond can impact your next home purchase.

preparing your home to sell

The Smart Homeowner’s Guide to Value-Boosting Projects in Westlake Village and Beyond

Know which home updates pay off — and which ones to skip — in the Conejo Valley and Ventura County market

westlake village real estate

Same Home. Different Outcome: The Real Reason Some Sellers Win in Today’s Market

A Look at the Westlake Village Real Estate Market and Why Preparation and Exposure Are Everything

55 + communities

The Offer Isn’t Always the Opportunity: What 55+ Homeowners Need to Know Before Selling

Why Second Opinions, Market Exposure, and Transparent Representation Matter More Than Ever — Especially in Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks & Surrounding Communities

2025 Housing Market

Is Now the Time To Move? The Market Shift You’ve Been Waiting For in Ventura & L.A. Counties

More homes, better timing, less chaos – Here’s why local sellers and buyers are making their move now.

2025 Housing Market

What’s Your Home Really Worth in Today’s Market? Westlake Village to Oak Park, the Answer May Surprise You

Hidden Wealth at Home: Why Now Might Be the Perfect Time To Re-Evaluate Your Property’s Value

2025 Housing Market

Why You Don’t Want To Skip the Home Inspection — Especially in Off-Market Deals

One Step Could Save You Thousands: The Overlooked Risk in Dual Agency and Off-Market Home Sales

critical choices when selling a home

Are You Really Being Heard? Why Listening Is the Missing Key in Real Estate Today

Too many homeowners are overlooked in the rush to close deals. Discover how truly being heard can transform your real estate experience—and your results.

2025 Housing Market

The #1 Thing Sellers Need To Know About Their Asking Price in Today’s Local Market

Why Overpricing in Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, and Surrounding Areas Could Cost You More Than You Think

Let’s Talk

You’ve got questions and we can’t wait to answer them.

Follow Us on Instagram